While most folks may have written Microsoft off when it comes to smartphones, the company may have just blown the lid off the entire mobile computing sector. Last night at WinHEC 2016, Microsoft unveiled that Windows 10 and native Windows apps can now run on ARM-based processors like Qualcomm's Snapdragon series that powers a huge percentage of the Android mobile ecosystem. Further, the company demonstrated a re-compiled version of Windows 10 for ARM, along with a handful of native X86 Windows apps running in emulation mode on the platform - and those apps were running very well.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella - Credit: Wikimedia

Imagine running the same exact version of Adobe Photoshop on your smartphone or tablet, that you also run on the desktop, or perhaps the full Microsoft Office suite or a Windows 10 game. That's exactly what has now become reality, thanks to the efforts of the Redmond Washington software (and hardware) juggernaut. As Brandon Hill at HotHardware notes, "unlike Windows RT, this is a full version of Windows 10 that is compiled to run on natively on Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware. That means that customers aren’t limited to only running Universal Windows apps (as was the case with Windows RT). Not only will users get all of the features and capabilities that you would expect with Windows 10, but you’ll be able to run Win32 apps (only 32-bit x86 support will offered initially)."

What's impressive as well, is that Microsoft Windows Chief, Terry Myerson noted the version running was full Windows 10 64-bit Enterprise Edition - a clear nod to the enterprise and SMB markets. Here, the company's Continuum technology will allow mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to run full Windows 10 desktop experiences with a simple docking cable or device. Further in that vein, the company is evangelizing mobile devices with eSIM (embedded SIM) technology that negates the need for a SIM slot. The technology is re-writable and programmable such that any carrier can reprogram the SIM, and thus the device, to work on any network without having to remove it.

Windows 10 Contiuum

This obviously plays well with a renewed effort for Microsoft in Windows Phone, something that was hinted at strongly last month in an interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Nadella noted, "We don't want to be driven by just envy of what others have, the question is, what can we bring? That's where I look at any device form factor or any technology, even AI," said Nadella. "We will continue to be in the phone market not as defined by today's market leaders, but by what it is that we can uniquely do in what is the most ultimate mobile device."

Regardless, you just have to be impressed with how far the company has come under Nadella's leadership. Clearly, the achievement of enabling native Windows 10 apps to run well on ARM-based devices is a monumental coup for the company that will instantly expand its platform applicability in many new markets. And yes, a true Surface Phone could be a very real thing. With devices like the Surface Book, Surface Pro 4 2-in-1 and recently the Surface Studio all-in-one desktop, the company has been championing best-in-class designs for the software platforms it develops. Enabling virtually any mobile device with the ability to run not only Windows 10 but also any native Windows software you own currently, is the proverbial holy grail for Microsoft. Not to mention, this will enable developers to build apps for one platform now and build in the ability for experiences to scale across devices.

Satya Nadella is clearly a leader that just figures out a way to win.

Dave Altavilla has lived and breathed the Semiconductor and Computing industries for over 18 years as a Field Sales Engineer and Global Account Manager for private rep organizations, Industrial Distributors, System Integrators and factory-direct at leading Silicon Valley OEM...